It promised to be a magical night in the neighborhood . . . a celebration of Divali with a live orchestra, magic show, prizes, and Eminent Personalities. Shelly, Janet, and I got new outfits for the occasion, and showed up at the invited hour. Quickly learned the invited hour was about two hours too early, especially since (who knew?) WE were the Eminent Personalities!!! Pre-event dinner at host's home. Special tent erected. Laser light show. Fog machine. Rock band from metropolis Goodlands. Front row seats. Closest to the amplified music. His Eminence David gives impromptu event kick-off speech in Creole. 400 person crowd laughs at old white guy saying "Happy Divali, let's party". Long night of Hindu Hip Hop. Louder is better. Female singer hits it two octaves higher than humanly possible. (Did I mention Eminent Personalities sit closest to the speakers?) Host gives heartfelt speech about meaning of Divali's festival of light and international peace and understanding shown by presence of Eminent Personalities from U.S.A. Eminent Personalities help hand out the prizes. Late in the evening, Eminent Personalities exit stage right, to sounds of applause and taste of Divali food gifts. Ears ringing, Eminent Personalities get home and fall right to deep, smiling, peaceful sleep. Happy Divali, world.
It promised to be a magical night in the neighborhood . . . a celebration of Divali with a live orchestra, magic show, prizes, and Eminent Personalities. Shelly, Janet, and I got new outfits for the occasion, and showed up at the invited hour. Quickly learned the invited hour was about two hours too early, especially since (who knew?) WE were the Eminent Personalities!!! Pre-event dinner at host's home. Special tent erected. Laser light show. Fog machine. Rock band from metropolis Goodlands. Front row seats. Closest to the amplified music. His Eminence David gives impromptu event kick-off speech in Creole. 400 person crowd laughs at old white guy saying "Happy Divali, let's party". Long night of Hindu Hip Hop. Louder is better. Female singer hits it two octaves higher than humanly possible. (Did I mention Eminent Personalities sit closest to the speakers?) Host gives heartfelt speech about meaning of Divali's festival of light and international peace and understanding shown by presence of Eminent Personalities from U.S.A. Eminent Personalities help hand out the prizes. Late in the evening, Eminent Personalities exit stage right, to sounds of applause and taste of Divali food gifts. Ears ringing, Eminent Personalities get home and fall right to deep, smiling, peaceful sleep. Happy Divali, world.
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